Classics by the Beach, April, 2017

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UMPH is a little late off the mark with April's Classics, having missed his self-imposed day-after deadline by nearly a week.  However, he's finally got his act together and posted a few photos that he took on the day, starting with this excellent Austin 1800 ute. 

There are still a few Austin 1800s - colloquially known as land-crabs - getting around in Tasmania but ute variants a few and far between.  This particular Mark II version was in excellent condition, inside and out, and appears to be a working vehicle, as it bears sign-written details of a local engineering business on both its front doors.




Regular readers will know that UMPH is a really huge fan of big Healeys.  The one featured here was in absolutely first-rate condition and looked particularly stunning with its crisp white duco, glittering chrome and perfect interior.  It's one of a surprising number of the marque that can be seen in and around Hobart but easily rated as one of the finest examples, which is no mean feat given the high standard of the others.









Two of these fabulous Datsun Fairladies - both two litre, five-speed versions - were present.  Either one of them could have been mistaken for a brand new car, such was the standard of their restorations.  



















April's Classics also featured a couple of Honda S600s, although it might be difficult to identify the second one.  Sure, the one shown here's pretty easy to spot ...











But how about this one?  It's a work in progress but promises to be a real treat when it's done!  





This early 70s Ford Fairlane was in great nick and, other than the stylish after-market wheels, appeared to be stock-standard and maybe totally original.  Either way, it looked brilliant.  






On the other hand, it looks like this striking blue Charger has recently undergone a full restoration.  The paint, bright-work and interior all looked to have been recently - and expertly - refurbished.  Nice!











Big Healeys.  Little Healeys.  UMPH was really pleased to see this lovely Mark I Sprite.  It seems the Sprite may have been pleased to see UMPH, too!




Anything but average sums up this extremely tidy Leyland P76 very well indeed.  It's low, wide stance gives it an almost menacing appearance, enhanced by its big wheels and the interesting mirror-finished headlights. 





It also attracted some interesting bed fellows, with a  E-Type Jag and a Lotus to one side and a Ferrari on the other.  But that's Classics for you - great cars from around the world all in one place!  







Another interesting contrast is the high-tech of the Ferrari versus the pre-war engineering of this amazing MG.  Check out, for example, the leaf-sprung front end, wire wheels and big drum brakes.











The United States of America was again well represented by the local Mustang brigade, with this imposing black fast-back just one of several at the bay on the day.  It's also an interesting contrast to the MG, reflecting America's penchant for muscle over the Brits' preference for nimbleness and handling.
















Rounding out UMPH's selection for the day is this ripper Pontiac Trans Am.  Whilst there might be more Mustangs in Hobart, Pontiacs are more prevalent than most people might imagine, including a couple of earlier model GTOs (please search 'Pontiac' on this 'blog to see them).  The car featured here looked fantastic with its low-slung, wedge shape and multi-vented bonnet.














U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)


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